Sequential numbering from a CSV file – step-by-step method
Objective: engrave 4 pieces at a time with numbers taken from a CSV, and automatically advance the reading of the file from one batch to the next.
1. Prepare CSV file
0001
0002
0003
0004
… (one line = one number)
Only one field per line is needed; if you want to keep the “SN-” prefix, put it directly in the file (“SN-0001”, “SN-0002″…).
Save as serials.csv (UTF-8, comma separator).
2. Place a copy of the part
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In LightBurn, draw/import a part.
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Add a Text object to the number location.
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In the text options bar :
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Mode →
Merge / CSV -
Text content:
'%SN-'%0(or simply%0if the file already contains the prefix).
The expression %0 requests column 0 of the current CSV row.
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3. Link the data contained in the file and set the feed rate
Open Window ▸ Variable Text and :
| Field | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Browse | choose serials.csv |
| Start | 0 (1ʳᵉ line) |
| Current | 0 (line to be engraved at next job) |
| End | last line (e.g. 399 if you have 400 numbers) |
| Advance by | 4 ← number of parts engraved per job |
| Auto-Advance | ON |
At the end of each job, Current will automatically switch to +4.
4. Duplicate part in table
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Select the part + its text.
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Arrange ▸ Grid / Array
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X Columns = 2 , Y Rows = 2 for your 4 copies.
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Check Auto-Increment Variable Text (incrementsOffset by 0,1,2,3).
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Validate: you’ll already see four different numbers (CSV lines 0-1-2-3).
5. Start work
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Preview (
Alt + P) → check the sequence. -
Click Start. LightBurn engraves the 4 parts, then switches Current from 0 → 4.
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For the next batch: place new pieces, click Start; numbers 5-8 will be taken, etc.
6. Practical tips
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Reset: Reset button in Variable Text.
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Skip lines: edit Current before launching.
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Extensible file: LightBurn rereads the CSV for each job; you can add rows between two batches without restarting.
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Large series: simply change to Advance by if you ever burn 10 pieces at once.
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Manual copy: if you’re duplicating without the Array, set theOffset of each text (0,1,2,3) by hand.
With this configuration, numbering takes care of itself: a single number per part, one batch = 4 consumed lines, and no need to re-set as long as your 2×2 matrix remains the same.